im going to cry
 

I have a check engine light on in my car :(

Onstar ran a diagnostic and says my my emissions system isn't running correctly. Says if the light doesnt go off within 7 trips I need to take it in within 7 days.

Where the hell do I start? I dont have money for this right now ugh!!! I wanna cry.

Did you get some gas today, Mandee? If so, it may be as simple as a loose gas cap. Don't freak out yet. Even if it's not a loose gas cap, it could be the gasket around it not sealing properly. You can get a new gas cap, but I'd recommend trying one from a GM dealership before trying the aftermarket junk that's out there. But, that's ONLY if you need one. Tighten that gas cap until it clicks. Then it may take a few drive cycles for the code to clear itself.

Havent gotten gas since sunday. Should I go by advance auto and get the code?

yes. Post the entire code Pxxx where x are numbers. We'll try to help you sort it out, And screw the 7 day limit --- last I checked onstar techs were not trained in interpreting check engine light.

Get the codes read before doing anything else anf post here. Remember the Pxxx not the description the Autozone lackey gives you.

Ok I'll go by there at lunch or after work today.

I agree with derf about the codes. And just for s*^%s and giggles, check your gas cap anyway.

I have a gas cap message if its not right...but ill do it anyways just for you

P0446


Thats the code

Check the hose going to your EVAP canister and make sure it hasn't come off or maybe gotten crimped somehow, Mandee. It may be that simple.

Where is that located? lol I can check it if you give me a location. Pretty handy like that...just havent learned locations of everything.

I don't have a manual for your car and have never even looked under the hood of an ION, so I'm not sure. They're usually stuffed up under a fender or near a fender towards the front of the car. Surely someone else here that works on them can either point you to it or post a picture?

ok....hopefully cuz its driving me crazy

P0446 EVAP Vent Solenoid Valve Control System

Has to do with capturing gas vapors when you fill your tank from directly entering the atmosphere. There are several solenoids (switches) that the control when and where the vapors go.

The problem could be a defective solenoid (there are several in the system) or I have read that people have had a bad fuel pressure sensor throw this code.

Others get this code, then clear it, then it doesn't come back for months.

If you are not having problems filling your tank (pump shutting off), just get the code cleared and see if it comes back.

Even if it comes back, if there are no driveability or gas pumping issues I'd let this one slide for a while.

As for location of solenoids -- no clue on an Ion. Maybe Rj knows. Prob near the gas tank.

So just get the code erased at autozone and see if it comes back

My car has no issue which is what is annoying the fuc* out of me. My gas mileage hasnt changed, my car drives normally, my car fills up with gas no problem. Guess I'll just try clearing the code. I dont have $$ to be replacing stuff for no reason lol

The car places around here wont clear codes because there was a big thing of people getting the codes cleared and selling the cars. I'll see if a friend has a code reader who will do it for me.

Here are a couple of pictures of the evap canister and solenoid-the canister is at the rear of the car behind the fuel tank. I've highlighted it on one picture. The solenoid is located at the driver's side of the engine-I've highlighted it in the other picture.Attachment 660

Attachment 661


Hope this helps- I do have a whole diagnostic procedure available if you need it.
Good luck!

Thank you darlin, it's much appreciated!

I'm kind of with derf and Charlie on this one- I'd kind of slide on it if you can. According to my Alldata, the code will go away if the car starts three consecutive times with no issue. That's the cheap way to do it! I'm kind of suspicious of that cap too, since that could affect the pressure of the tank vapors...

What do you mean 3 consecutive times? Like turn it on let it run a second turn it off and then back on? Or like 3 trips?

I was having an issue with my cap a few months ago...i for some reason couldn't get it to lock on right and I'd be driving and I would get a message on my dash saying check gas cap...but I haven't had that happen in quite some time. IDK...maybe my cap is the problem....I'll call the dealer and see how much one costs.

No Mandee, he means 3 or more drive cycles. You get in your car and go somewhere and do what you have to do. Just drive it normally, like you've been doing and see if the code goes away.

Ive driven way more than that so thats no bueno

NG

nice pics
any pics of how the evap canister vent solenoid is attached ?

Also

Please post diag tree so when it comes time for inspection Mandee can track it down

Thx

OH NO! All the wrong pics posted. I'll try again.

First part of the tree:
Attachment 664

Second part:

Attachment 665

The purge solenoid assembly:
Attachment 667

There's a filter inside the evap can at the back that sometimes clogs:

Attachment 668



The evap canister is held on by a single bolt at the back- if you disconnect the lines, you can reach it.

awesome contribution to the forum! thx

Thank you!